Illustration of surgery to treat varicocele, a form of varicose veins of the scrotum. This condition is caused by blood collecting in a vein in which a valve has failed, causing swelling. It is a common condition and treatment is often harmless, however if it is affecting fertility then it can be treated with surgery to block the blood flow to the affected veins. From New Dictionary of Practical Medicine and Surgery by Dr Jaccoud Vol. 38 (1885).